Sliding refrigerator shelf assembly

ABSTRACT

A shelf assembly for a refrigerator compartment such as a refrigerator for food products includes a shelf member slidably supported for extension and retraction on a shelf support. The shelf member includes side members which are preferably molded as a rim on an article support surface from an ethylene-polypropylene copolymer and include slide surfaces engaging spaced, generally horizontal and parallel shelf support surfaces preferably formed by L-shaped brackets on the shelf support. A guide member depends from at least one, and preferably both, of the side members to guide the sliding movement. A stop on the guide member limits travel by engaging a limit surface on the shelf support. The guide member and stop may be molded integrally with the side members to define a molded slide channel or formed by a rigid insert embedded in the rim during molding. The method includes injecting the moldable around a rigid core positioned in a mold cavity and withdrawing the core after removing the molded rim to leave a slide channel in the rim.

CROSS REFERENCE

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/236,629, filed Apr.29, 1994, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to shelving especially adapted for use inrefrigerator compartments, especially refrigerators for food products,and more particularly, to a sliding shelf assembly for refrigeratorshaving improved weight supporting capabilities, improved slidingmovement, and an improved method for manufacturing.

Many varieties of sliding refrigerator shelving have been used in thepast. Typically, such sliding shelves include a shelf panel mounted forhorizontal sliding extension toward the user through the door opening ofthe refrigerator to provide better access to items stored on the shelfor for ease in cleaning. One prior shelf includes a plurality ofpreformed frame members assembled around a shelf panel and slidablysecured on appropriate support brackets. In another, tracks on oppositeside surfaces guide sliding movement of the shelf panel.

In certain of the prior known sliding shelves, difficulty in extendingand retracting the shelf was experienced, especially when the shelf washeavily loaded with articles for refrigeration. In some cases, unevenextension required additional effort, while in others, the supportstrength in the extreme extended position, was less than desired.

In addition, many prior known sliding shelf assemblies requiredmanufacture from a number of individually fabricated pieces increasingmanufacturing time and expense. Such shelves would not contain liquidsif spilled, and thus would not limit contamination of the refrigeratoror cabinet in the event a container was overturned. In many prior knownmolded shelves, specialized mold apparatus was required and theappearance of the sliding shelf assembly was often different from thestandard, fixed shelves used adjacent to the sliding shelves in the samerefrigerator.

Accordingly, a need has existed for an improved sliding shelf assemblyfor refrigerators which would control and help confine spillage ofliquids or other food items while providing improved slidingcharacteristics even when heavily loaded, increased support strength inboth the extended and retracted positions, a similar appearance tostandard, fixed position shelving used in the same refrigerator, andimproved, simplified manufacturing techniques reducing manufacturingtime and expense.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a shelf assembly forrefrigerated compartments, and especially refrigerators for foodproducts, in which a shelf member is slidably mounted for extension andretraction on a shelf support, the shelf member including side memberswhich are molded in one piece on an article support surface from amoldable material while incorporating either a molded guide member or anembedded insert which guides sliding movement and restricts verticalmovement of the shelf with respect to the support. One of severalvarieties of a stop member for limiting extension or retraction isincluded. The invention also encompasses a manufacturing methodincluding the provision of a rigid core having a portion embedded withinthe molded slide member, which core is withdrawn after molding toprovide a slide channel avoiding the necessity of assembling the slidemember from multiple parts and also allowing use of the same mold cavityused to form fixed refrigerator shelf versions.

In one form, the invention is a shelf assembly for a refrigeratedcompartment including a shelf support and a shelf member slidablymounted for extension and retraction on the shelf support. The shelfsupport includes a pair of spaced, generally horizontal, generallyparallel shelf support surfaces and a guide surface extending at anangle to each shelf support surface. At least one mounting member isadapted to mount the shelf support in a refrigerated compartment. Theshelf member includes a pair of spaced side members molded in one pieceon an article support surface from a moldable material, the side membersextending along opposite sides of the article support surface. Each sidemember includes a slide surface engaging one of the shelf supportsurfaces. At least one of the side members has a depending guide memberadjacent the guide surface to guide sliding movement of the shelfmember, the guide member also including a stop. The shelf support alsoincludes an elongated opening for receiving and allowing movement of theshelf when the shelf member is slidably extended or retracted and atleast one limit surface for engaging the stop member to limit at leastone of the extension and retraction of the shelf member.

In preferred aspects of the invention, the guide member and stop aremolded integrally and in one piece with the side member while a secondguide member is also molded on each side member to confine the shelfsupport surface for proper sliding movement. The guide members and slidesurface are defined by a slide channel which, in the preferred form, isformed by the preferred method set forth herein.

In other preferred aspects, the guide member and stop may be formed by arigid insert embedded within the molded side member during molding andhaving a portion extending downwardly from the side member along andunder the shelf support to restrict sliding and vertical movement of theshelf. Such rigid insert can be either a U-shaped member or a headedstud.

Preferably, the shelf support includes a pair of L-shaped supportbrackets, each including a vertical body and a laterally extendingflange, the flange having a top surface forming the shelf supportsurface. The limit surface may be formed either on the L-shaped bracketor on a cross member spacing the L-shaped bracket members apart. In theversion incorporating the headed stud guide member, a slot is formed inthe flange of the L-shaped bracket receiving the stud for both guidingand limiting sliding movement.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for making a sliding shelfincludes the provision of a rigid core having a slide channel formingportion thereon. The core is inserted in a mold apparatus such that theslide channel forming portion is located in the mold cavity. A slidemember is molded from moldable material on an article support surface inthe mold cavity while embedding the slide channel forming portion in theslide member. The molded slide member is then removed from the moldcavity with the slide channel forming portion remaining embedded withinthe slide member. Thereafter, the slide channel forming portion of thecore is withdrawn from the slide member to form a channel within theslide member, the channel adapted to receive a slide support for slidingmovement of the shelf.

In preferred aspects of the method, injectable polymeric material, suchas a thermoplastic copolymer, is injected around the slide channelforming portion while a retaining portion of the core extends out of theslide member to form an opening to the slide channel. Preferably, thearticle supporting surface is formed by a glass panel member having aperimeter edge simultaneously embedded within the slide member when thecore is embedded therein. The core may then be rotated and slid out ofthe molded side member to complete the manufacture.

In its various forms, the present invention provides numerous advantagesover prior known sliding shelf assemblies for refrigerators. The shelfassembly includes molded side members integrally incorporating a moldedslide channel having guide members which allow smooth, uniform slidingextension and retraction of the shelf even when heavily loaded andwithout bothersome ratcheting or stuttering during sliding movement.Such construction maximizes available shelf space for storage whilemaintaining smooth shelf operation. The molded rim effectively controlsand confines spilled liquids or other items on the shelf and is tightlysealed to the shelf panel to prevent unsanitary seepage between the rimand panel. The combination of support brackets and molded slide surfacesalong with guide members which extend under the slide support surfacesprevent tipping, lifting or vertical movement of the shelf to allow thesupport of greater loads in both the extended and retracted positions.Manufacture of the sliding shelf is simplified through the use of a moldapparatus which allows embedding of a reusable core which can bewithdrawn from the molded shelf after molding to leave a molded slidechannel ready for installation on the shelf support. Alternately, rigidinserts can be positioned in the mold cavity for embedding within themolded shelf to provide the guide members and stops allowing improvedsliding movement. In addition, the method allows use of the same moldapparatus used to manufacture fixed, stationary shelf assemblies simplyby the inclusion or omission of the core or rigid inserts andsubstitution of appropriate fixed shelf support members in the moldcavity.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of theinvention will become more apparent from a study of the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the slidingshelf assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is atop perspective view of the shelf support frame for the shelfassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the shelf assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along plane IV--IV of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, plan view of a front corner of the shelfassembly taken in area V of FIG. 1 with portions broken away;

FIG. 6 is a sectional side elevation of the front area of the shelfassembly taken along plane VI--VI of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane VII--VII ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along plane VIII--VIII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a rear portion of the shelfassembly taken along plane IX--IX of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a molded limit member for use with the shelfassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an end elevation of the limit member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional side elevation of the limit member of FIGS. 10and 11;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the shelf assembly showing the limitmember inserted and taken along plane XIII--XIII of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of a second embodiment of the sliding shelfassembly of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of the shelf assembly of FIG. 14 with thesliding shelf member in extended position;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary plan view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XVII--XVII ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XVIII--XVIIIof FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XIX--XIX ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 20 a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XX--XX of FIG.16;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XXI--XXI ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of the slidingshelf assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary, exploded view of portions of the shelfassembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XXIV--XXIV ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XXV--XXV ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 22 withthe shelf member shown in extended position;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary, side elevation taken along plane XXVII--XXVIIof FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary, top perspective, exploded view of a fourthembodiment of the shelf assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XXIX--XXIX ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 28showing the shelf member in extended position;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XXXI--XXXI ofFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along plane XXXII--XXXIIof FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a core member used in molding the shelfassemblies of FIGS. 1-21;

FIG. 34 is a side elevation of the core member of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an end elevation of the core member of FIGS. 33 and 34;

FIG. 36 is a sectional view of a preferred mold apparatus for making theshelf assemblies of FIGS. 1-21; and

FIG. 37 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the shelf member of FIGS.1-21 after molding but before removal of the embedded core.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, FIGS. 1-13 illustrate afirst embodiment 10 of a sliding refrigerator shelf assembly accordingto the present invention including a shelf member 11 having a generallyplanar shelf panel 12, a molded, resinous perimeter rim 14circumscribing shelf panel 12, and a rigid, shelf support frame 16 (FIG.2) slidably supporting shelf member 11 for sliding movement between aretracted position (solid lines in FIG. 1) and an extended position(phantom lines in FIG. 1) in a refrigerated compartment such as arefrigerator for food products. Sliding shelf assembly 10 is preferablycantilevered forward by support frame 16 from a pair of spaced, verticalsupport tracks S (FIG. 1) mounted within the refrigerated compartment,each support track S including a plurality of aligned, vertical slots 15adapted to receive mounting hooks 30, 32 from support frame 16 asdescribed hereinafter. Shelf 10 may, of course, be made in variouswidths, narrower or wider than that shown in FIG. 1, to accommodatedesired refrigerator cabinet widths and various spacing of tracks S.

As is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, shelf support frame 16 includes a pairof laterally spaced side support brackets 20a, 20b, each of which has aninverted L shape when viewed in cross section as shown in FIG. 4.Brackets 20a, 20b each include a generally vertically extending,elongated body 22, and a laterally inwardly extending support flange 23extending at a right angle to body 22 and having a generally planarshelf support surface 24 along the top edge of the bracket for themajority of its length. A front, reduced height portion 26 on eachbracket extends forwardly below the level of shelf support surfaces 24to provide an access area for telescopingly inserting shelf member 11thereon as described below. The rear end 28 of each L-shaped bracket20a, 20b includes a mounting hooks 30, 32. Hooks 30, 32 are adapted tobe received in slots 15 of vertical support tracks S (FIG. 1) when shelfassembly 10 is mounted in a refrigerated compartment as mentioned above.Each rear mounting portion 28 includes an offset upper flange 34 adaptedto be received within a molded recess at the rear of molded rim 14 onshelf 11 as discussed below. The top surfaces 24 of support flanges 23are preferably co-planar and horizontal when supported in therefrigerator. Side edges 25 of flanges 23 and the side surfaces ofbodies 22 act as guide surfaces for shelf 11 during sliding movement.The body portion 22 of each bracket 20a, 20b also includes a circularopening 35 adapted to receive a slide limiting insert 72 as describedbelow to restrict the forward sliding movement of shelf member 11 on theshelf support frame 16. A pair of spaced circular apertures 37 allow thebrackets to receive rivets or other fasteners for securing a pan orcrisper support P (shown in phantom in FIG. 2) if desired. Support Pwould allow suspension of a slide-out pan or storage bin for meats,vegetables and produce, or the like.

Brackets 20a, 20b are preferably supported parallel to one another inspaced lateral positions by a pair of rigid cross members 36, 38, eachof which also has an L-shaped cross section for strength and rigidity.Brackets 20a, 20b are preferably welded to the ends of cross members 36,38 to form a rigid framework enabling the support of shelf member 11 inboth extended and retracted position either when fully loaded with itemsto be refrigerated or when empty. Cross members 36, 38 define an opening39 therebetween in the framework. Mounting hooks 30, 32, when engagedwith vertical tracks S, fully support the shelf without the necessity ofany additional supports extending from the sides of the refrigeratedcompartment into contact with brackets 20a, 20b or the like. Eachbracket and cross member is preferably stamped from steel. Shelf supportframe 16 preferably is powder-coated with an epoxy polyester coating,preferably white in color, sold under Product No. 071-30-06 by HerberrsPowder Coatings Inc., of Hilliard, Ohio. The powder coating providesboth a reduced friction, lubricous surface for shelf member 11 to slideon as well as providing protection from corrosion due to contact withspilled liquids, water and the like. Preferably, shelf support surfaces24 are co-planar as shown in FIG. 2, although they could be positionedin offset planes depending on the design of the shelf member fittedthereon.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3-9, shelf panel 12 is preferably a planarsheet of light transmitting material, such as optically clear temperedglass, to enhance light distribution through the refrigeratedcompartment. Panel 12 includes a perimeter edge 18 (FIGS. 4 and 6) whichis embedded and secured within molded rim 14 generally above spacedsupport flanges 23 on brackets 20a, 20b in shelf support frame 16 asshown in FIG. 4. Rim 14 is preferably molded around the entire perimeteredge 18 of shelf panel 12. Rim 14 extends above panel 12 around theentire panel to confine spills and is molded for tight engagement andliquid sealing with panel 12 to prevent seepage under the rim andbetween the glass and rim as is explained in co-pending, commonlyassigned United States patent application Ser. No. 07/665,661, filedMar. 7, 1991, entitled MOLDED REFRIGERATOR SHELF, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 5,362,145, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein. Molded rim 14 includes an integral front strip 40,integral rear strip 42 and parallel side strips or portions 44, 46, allof which are molded in one piece on the shelf member 12 in a singlemolding operation, as is explained more fully below. The front, rear andside portions 40, 42, 44, 46 of molded rim 14 each include moldedportions 14a, 14b, 14c (FIG. 6) which embed and envelope three sides orsurfaces of the perimeter edge 18 of panel 12 to securely retain thepanel in the shelf member.

Each molded side portion 44, 46 includes an integral, substantiallyclosed, slide channel 48 generally vertically aligned with the perimeteredge 18 of shelf panel 12 but spaced therebelow by intermediate moldedportions of side portions 44, 46, as shown in FIG. 4. Each slide channel48 defines a pair of laterally spaced outer and inner guide flanges 50,52 which depend downwardly and are generally flush with the sidesurfaces of side portions 44, 46. Inner guide flange 52 also includes anintegral laterally outwardly extending flange 54 which extends undersubstantially the full extent of flange 23 on L brackets 20a, 20b. Astop member 56 is molded integrally with and depends downwardly fromflange 54 at the rear of the shelf for engagement with shelf supportframe 16 as is explained more fully below. The upper surface 58 of slidechannel 48 is generally horizontal and parallel to the perimeter 18 ofshelf panel 12 and provides a slide surface adapted to engage the topsurface 24 of flange 23 to allow sliding movement of the shelf member 11with respect to support frame 16. The front end 55 of slide channel 48is closed (FIG. 5) while the rear of the channel opens into the areabeneath rear strip 42 to allow insertion of support flanges 23. As willbe understood from FIGS. 4 and 6, the size of slide channel 48 isoversized and larger than the size of flange 23 and the upper portion ofvertical body 22 of brackets 20a, 20b to provide sufficient clearancefor ease in sliding action while maintaining lateral guidance viaflanges 50, 52 with restriction against vertical movement of the shelfaway from brackets 20a, 20b via flanges 54.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the front strip 40 of molded rim 14includes an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 60 including anindicia area 62 for molding or imprinting of appropriate information,trademarks or the like. If desired, area 62 may include a recess forsuch information. Flange 60 includes sides 64 which form a downwardlyopening enclosure with flange 60 to house and shield the projecting ends26 of frame 16 when the shelf member 11 is received thereover. Thelowermost edge 66 of front strip 40 provides a convenient area forgrasping the shelf for extension and retraction.

As is best seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7-9, rear strip 42 of molded rim 14extends upwardly and rearwardly along surface 68 and includes sides 70forming a generally rearwardly opening enclosure which covers offsetedges 34 of rear mounting portions 28 on brackets 20a, 20b when theshelf member 11 is retracted.

Preferably, rim 14 is formed from a moldable, resinous material such asa thermoplastic copolymer, most preferably TENITE™ polypropylene soldunder Product No. P5M4K-007 by Eastman Plastics of Kingsport, Tenn. Suchmaterial is a combination of ethylene and polypropylene, although otherstructural, resinous plastics, such as ABS or polyvinylchloride could beused. Preferably, a coloration pigment may be added to the moldableplastic used for molding rim 14 prior to molding to provide a desiredcolor to the rim. For example, titanium dioxide may be added for a whitecoloration.

While the liquid-tight seal formed between molded rim 14 and glass shelfpanel 12 performs well, depending on the specific resinous plasticchosen, one may wish to enhance that seal by coating perimeter edge 18of the glass panel 12 in the areas to be engaged by the molded rim witha primer layer or coating prior to molding of the rim. Such primer layeror coating is preferably a heat activatable, resinous material whichpromotes and facilitates the adhesion of the rim material to the glassshelf member 12.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 10-13, a resilient, limit member orinsert 72 is preferably received in opening 35 of each bracket side 22to limit the forward travel of the sliding shelf member 11 whenextended. Preferably, insert 72 is molded from a resinous plasticmaterial such as acetal, available from E. I. DuPont de Nemours Co.,Wilmington, Del., and includes a head 74 and a hollow, cylindrical body76 extending perpendicularly from the underside of head 74. Body 76includes a central, circular opening 77 and is notched at 78 to receivethe thickness of bracket body 22 when the insert is received in aperture35, as shown in FIG. 13. As will be understood from FIG. 13, the heightand length of body 76 is sufficient to extend into the path of moldedstop 56 when insert 72 is received in aperture 35 such that furtherforward sliding movement of shelf member 11 is limited by the engagementof stop 56 and body 76. The resiliency of body 76 allows it to compressand slide through aperture 35 and snap outwardly into the position shownin FIG. 13. Moreover, should shelf member 11 be pulled outwardly withsignificant force, body 76 will bend slightly to absorb some of theenergy as shelf member 11 is stopped against the limiting insert.

As will be best understood from FIGS. 1-3, after manufacture, shelfmember 11 is slidably telescopingly mounted on inwardly extending,co-planar flanges 23 of frame 16 from the front edges of those flanges.Flanges 23 are received in the rearwardly opening slide channels 48 andshelf 11 is slid rearwardly until the inside surface of rear strip 42 isreceived against offset areas 34 of rear portions 28 of brackets 20a,20b. Thereafter, limiting insert 72 is pushed into place throughapertures 35. Forward extension of shelf member 11 is obtained bypulling on lip 66 of front strip 40 typically with a pull effort of 1 to2 pounds, while guide members 50, 52 guide the sliding motion of slidesurface 58 on flanges 23. Forward extension of shelf member 11 islimited by the engagement between stops 56 and inserts 72, as describedabove. In the extended position, items can be supported on the forwardedge of shelf 12 without fear of the shelf member 11 tipping forwardlyand spilling the item due to the extent of flanges 54 under flanges 23which restrict vertical movement of the shelf away from the shelfsupport frame 16. Shelf member 11 may then be retracted by pushing itinwardly using front strip 40 until rear strip 42 engages offsetportions 34 of rear mounting portions 28 as shown in FIG. 8. Thevertical height of rear strip 42 helps to catch and support any talleritems which might tip rearwardly during sliding movement or storage ofitems on the refrigerator shelf. Preferably, shelf support frame 16allows shelf assembly 10 to be vertically adjusted within therefrigerator compartment on support tracks S. As noted above, hooks 30,32 are adapted for releasable engagement with shelf tracks S to suspendthe brackets, support frame and shelf assembly. The shelf assembly maybe positioned at any one of a plurality of locations corresponding tothe locations of the aligned slots 15 in the tracks. The overall size ofassembly 10 is preferably slightly smaller than the inside dimensions ofthe refrigerated compartment in which it is used to provide aircirculation space between the sides 22 of brackets 20a, 20b and thesidewalls of the refrigerator as well as between rear strip 42 and therear wall of the refrigerator. Further, the overall length of shelfmember 11 is determined to provide air circulation space between thefront edge and the door of the refrigerator (not shown).

With reference to FIGS. 14-21, a second embodiment 100 of the slidingshelf assembly for refrigerated compartments is illustrated. Shelfassembly 100 is similar to assembly 10 but includes a shelf member 101of slightly differing configuration having a molded stop 122 adapted forengagement with a cross member on the shelf support frame 130, asexplained more fully below. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, shelf member 101includes a generally planar shelf panel 102, preferably formed fromoptically clear tempered glass and an upstanding molded rim 104circumscribing the entire perimeter edge 106 of shelf panel 102 andforming a liquid-tight seal therewith. Rim 104 includes parallel frontand rear portions 108, 110 and parallel side portions 112, all of whichare molded integrally and in one piece onto the perimeter edge 106 ofpanel 102 in a suitable mold apparatus, as explained below. Just as inshelf member 11, molded .rim 104 includes an integral slide channel 114(FIG. 19) molded beneath perimeter edge 106 to include spaced, lateralouter and inner guide flanges 116, 118 and a laterally inwardlyextending flange 120 extending from guide flange 118. As shown in FIGS.14, 15, 20 and 21, an elongated stop member 122 is molded integrallywith and depends downwardly from the bottom surface of flange 120 at aposition flush with the inner side of side portion 112. Stop 122 tapersrearwardly such that its bottom edge is inclined upwardly toward therear of shelf 101 to enable telescopic mounting of the shelf member onsupport frame 130. The forward edge 124 of stop 122 extends downwardly adistance sufficient to engage the rear edge of a cross member 134 on thesupport frame, as explained below. Shelf member 101 may be extended andretracted by grasping the downwardly extending lip 126 on front portion108 as shown in FIG. 20. Just as in assembly 10, slide channel 114 isoversized and larger than the support flange 138 from support bracket132 adapted to be fitted therewithin to allow ease in sliding movement.Likewise, flanges 116, 118 guide such movement while lower flange 120prevents lifting or tipping of the shelf when extended or retracted.

As will be understood from FIGS. 14-16, a shelf support frame 130similar to frame 16 in assembly 10 is adapted for use with shelf member101. Frame 130 includes a pair of L-shaped support brackets 132 whichare spaced laterally and formed into a rigid framework by front and rearL-shaped cross members 134, 136. Each bracket 132 includes an inturned,generally planar, elongated flange 138. As shown in FIG. 21, flanges 138are received in the rearwardly opening slide channels 114 such that thetop surfaces of flanges 138 engage slide surfaces 119 in the slidechannels to allow extension and retraction of shelf 101. Forward slidingmovement of shelf 101 is limited by engagement of front edge 124 of stop122 with the rear facing edge of front cross member 134 as shown in FIG.20. During assembly, the clearance provided by the enlarged size ofslide channel 114 and the camming action provided by inclined bottomsurface of stop 122 allow shelf 101 to be cammed over cross member 134until the front edge 124 is received behind the cross member. As inassembly 10, brackets 132 also include mounting hooks 140 for mountingthe assembly in a desired but vertically adjustable position onvertically extending support tracks such as those shown at S in FIG. 1.Also, molded rim 104 is preferably formed from a thermoplastic copolymerof ethylene and polyethylene, preferably TENITE™ polypropylene P5M4K-007sold by Eastman Plastics. Similarly, frame 130 includes brackets andcross members stamped from steel and welded together and powder-coatedwith epoxy polyester available from Herberts Powder Coatings Inc. ofHilliard, Ohio, under Product No. 071-30-06.

As shown in FIGS. 22-27, a third embodiment 150 of the sliding shelfassembly is illustrated where like parts are indicated by like primenumbers. Embodiment 150 preferably includes a modified shelf member 160and a rigid steel and epoxy polyester powder-coated shelf support frame130'. Frame 130' is substantially similar to shelf support frame 130except for the addition of a downwardly bent limit flange 152 formed insupport flange 138' and an upwardly extending limit stud 154 alignedwith flange 138' in rear cross member 136'.

Modified shelf member 160 includes a preferably optically clear temperedglass shelf panel 162 and a molded rim 164 circumscribing the perimeteredge of panel 162 as in shelf members 11 and 101. As shown in FIGS. 22and 26, molded rim 164 includes parallel front and rear portions 170,172, and parallel side portions 174, 176, all molded in one piece aroundthe entire panel 162 such that the perimeter is sealingly embeddedtherein. Preferably, molded rim 164 is also formed from a thermoplasticcopolymer of ethylene and propylene. Instead of the inclusion of anintegral, molded slide channel beneath the perimeter edge 166 of panel162, however, shelf member 160 includes rigid, downwardly depending,U-shaped inserts 168 embedded in the molded rim.

Rigid inserts 168 are insert molded in spaced pairs in the lower slidingsurfaces 175, 177 of side portions 174, 176 generally vertically alignedwith the perimeter 166 of panel of 162, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.Inserts 168 are U-shaped in section and include upper and lower flanges178, 180 joined by flange 182. When embedded within the side portion ofthe molded rim, flange 178 is spaced below perimeter edge 166 andextends generally parallel thereto to resist removal of the insert fromthe molded side portion. Flange 182 extends generally perpendicular tothe perimeter edge 166 while flange 180 is generally parallel to flange178 and panel 162 but spaced below sliding surface 175, 177 such that itextends around and under flange 138' from the shelf support frame.Accordingly, flanges 182 provide lateral guidance during slidingmovement of shelf member 160 on flanges 138', while flanges 180 resisttipping and lifting of the shelf member 160 from the support frame.

As will be understood, the rear edge of flange 180 on the rearmostinsert 168 is adapted to engage limit stud 154 to limit rearwardmovement of the shelf member 160 on the support frame. Likewise, theforward edge of flanges 180 of the same rearmost inserts 168 are adaptedto engage limit members 152 to limit further extension when the shelf ispulled outwardly and extended. The area beneath flanges 138' and betweenlimit members 152, 154 therefore defines the extent of sliding movementof shelf assembly 150 (see distance M in FIG. 23). However, in theextended position shown in FIG. 26, items for refrigeration are fullyand adequately supported even on the outer end of the shelf due to thehorizontal extent of flanges 138' and the vertical tipping and liftingrestriction provided by flanges 180 of inserts 168. Assembly of shelfmember 160 on rigid frame 130' is accomplished by telescoping shelfmember 160 over flanges 138' with the flanges 180 of inserts 168 in thepositions shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 before limit members 152 are bentdownwardly from the support flanges 138'. After the shelf member 160 isin the position shown in FIG. 22, limit members 152 are bent downwardlyto confine the shelf as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 28-32, a fourth embodiment 200 of the sliding shelfassembly of the present invention is illustrated where like parts areindicated by like numerals with the addition of double primes thereon.Shelf assembly 200 includes shelf member 201 slidably mounted forextension and retraction on a rigid shelf support frame 202. Shelfsupport frame 202 is similar to shelf support frames 130 and 130' andincludes L-shaped support brackets 132" spaced by rigid cross members134" and 136". Rear cross member 136" includes a slide limiting stud 204(FIGS. 31 and 32) which restricts rearward sliding travel of shelfmember 201 on the support frame as explained hereinafter. Instead ofbent limit member 152 as in support frame 130', however, shelf supportframe 202 includes elongated, keyhole-shaped guide slots 206 extendingthrough support flanges 138". Each guide slot 206 includes parallel sideedges, a closed forward end 208 and an enlarged opening forming aclosed, rear end 210. Brackets 132" also include mounting hooks 140" forsecuring the shelf support frame 202 and supported shelf member 201 onsuitable vertical support tracks such as those shown at S in FIG. 1. Theentire rigid frame 202 is preferably powder-coated with epoxy polyesteras in the earlier embodiments 10, 100, and 150.

Shelf member 201 includes an optically clear, tempered glass panel 211and a molded rim having parallel front and rear sections 212, 214 andparallel, opposed side portions 216, 218. Each side portion includes anintegral, molded guide flange 220 (FIGS. 29 and 31) on the outer sidefor engaging the vertical side surface of brackets 132" to guide slidingmovement. In addition, lower slide surfaces 222 of side portions 216,218 include a pair of spaced, double-headed stud inserts 224 embeddedtherewithin generally in the center and at the rear of each sideportion. Each stud insert 224 includes cylindrical body 226 adapted tobe received through and between the parallel side edges of slots 206 toguide the sliding movement of the shelf member 201 in conjunction withflanges 220. At the upper end of cylindrical body 226 is a disc-shapedhead 228 embedded within side portion 226 at a position spaced below theperimeter edge of glass panel 211 to resist withdrawal of the stud. Atthe lower end of body 226 is a similar disc-shaped head 230 whichextends below support flange 138" and slots 206.

As will now be understood from FIGS. 28-32, when inserts 224 areembedded in the sliding surfaces 222 of side portions 216, 218 as shownin FIGS. 29, 31 and 32, shelf member 201 may be mounted on shelf supportframe 202 by placing shelf member 201 in registry with support flanges138" such that heads 230 of inserts 224 are aligned with enlargedopenings 210. Shelf member 201 is then moved downwardly such thatsliding surfaces 222 engage support flanges 138" while heads 230 extendthrough openings 210 of slots 206. Thereafter, shelf member 201 may begrasped and slid forwardly on its slide support surfaces and flanges138" until bodies 226 of inserts 224 engage forward ends 208 of slots206 to limit further extension. Likewise, rearward movement of the shelfis limited by engagement of heads 230 with studs 204 on cross member136" in the retracted position of the shelf. In either case, items to berefrigerated are fully and adequately supported on panel 211 whileflanges 220 and bodies 226 guide the sliding movement and heads 230prevent lifting of the shelf member 201 from the support frame 202 inall positions including the extended position except the retractedposition shown in FIGS. 31 and 32.

With reference to FIGS. 33-38, the preferred method for manufacturingthe shelf members used in the shelf assemblies 10 and 100 will beunderstood. The manufacturing method incorporates the use of a reusable,rigid mold insert or core 250 which is generally similar in shape toL-shaped support brackets 20a, 20b and 132. Core 250 is preferablyformed from a ferro-magnetic material such as steel, preferably includesa corrosion preventing coating such as zinc-dichromate, has a generallyplanar, retaining body 252 and an integral, laterally extending flange254 extending along the full length of body 252 at one edge. Flange 254defines a slide channel forming portion which tapers to a thinner, freeend edge 256. Core body 252 includes a series of spaced, apertures 258used in manufacturing the core, as well as positioning apertures 260adapted to receive positioning pins 314 for precisely locating the corewithin a mold apparatus as explained below.

With reference to FIG. 36, a preferred mold apparatus 275 for moldingthe shelf members 11, 101 is shown. Mold 275 includes a lower moldsection 280 including a central recess 282 receiving a verticallyreciprocable pressure pad or plate 284 preferably mounted on springs andguide bolts (not shown) and having a glass support surface 286. Lowersection 280 also includes lateral slide recesses 290 at either side.Cooperating with lower mold section 280 is an upper mold section 292having a lower surface 293 defining a parting line and an upper glassengaging and clamping surface 294. Together, glass engaging surface 294of upper mold section 292 and glass support surface 286 of pressure pad284 support, clamp and hold a planar sheet of glass such as panel 12,102, 162 or 211 described above.

At either side of mold 275 in side recesses 290 is a slide 306 mountedon a cylinder rod 308 of a pneumatic or hydraulically operated fluidcylinder (not shown). Rod 308 is preferably fixed in a stationaryposition by threaded end 309 while slides 306 and fluid cylinders moveinwardly and outwardly together when the fluid cylinders are operated.In combination, lower mold section 280, upper mold section 292, pressurepad 284 and slides 306 define a pair of mold cavities 312 adapted forforming the side portions 44, 46 or 112 of shelf members 11,101described above. Mold cavities 312, of course, extend continuously intoother portions of the upper and lower mold sections to define extensionsthereof for forming the front and rear portions 40, 42 of the shelfmembers as is conventionally known in the molding industry.

As shown in FIG. 36, mold insert cores 250 are adapted for insertionwith their slide channel forming sections 254 positioned within moldcavities 3 12, their retaining portions 252 extending outwardly anddownwardly from the mold cavities for engagement by slides 306 includingspring-biased positioning pins 314. Pins 314 extend through positioningapertures 260 after cores 250 are positioned against the side surface ofthe lower mold section and held in place by magnets 316. Subsequently,as the fluid cylinders are activated to move slides 306 inwardly againstthe cores 250, pins 314 accurately and precisely position the cores withrespect to the perimeter edge of glass sheets 12, 102 such that theglass sheet perimeter edge will be spaced above section 254 and beproperly embedded within the mold material in cavity 312 while retainingportion 252 will extend downwardly out of the molded rim portion, asshown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

Using the mold 275 as described above, the manufacturing process forproducing shelf members 11, 101 will be understood. Initially, uppermold section 292 is moved away from lower mold section 280. Eithermanually or with a robot arm preferably having vacuum cups holding glasssheet 12, 102 and a pair of spaced cores 250 thereon, the glass panel ismoved into the mold and loaded on glass support surface 286 of pressurepad 284. The perimeter side edges of the glass sheet extend into moldcavities 312. Simultaneously, both core inserts 250 are loaded manuallyor with the same robot arm by swinging them in against the side surfacesof the lower mold section beneath mold cavities 312 until magnets 316grasp and hold the cores in position as shown in FIG. 36. The robot armis moved out of the open mold assembly followed by closing of the mold.Both the upper and lower mold sections are preferably heated or cooledas necessary via internal fluid lines and heated or cooled water pumpedtherethrough to maintain a constant temperature during the moldingoperation. After closure of the upper and lower mold sections, withglass panel 12, 102 being held between the clamping surfaces 294 of theupper mold section and the glass support surfaces 286 of resilientlymounted pressure pad 284, the fluid cylinders are activated to moveslides 306 inwardly. During such movement, spring-biased positioningpins 314 engage tapered holes 260 at two locations on each core 250 tofinally and precisely locate the cores such that slide channel formingsections 254 are precisely positioned with respect to the perimeter edgeof glass panel 12, 102 in the mold cavities.

After loading of the glass and cores, the preferred thermoplasticcopolymer of ethylene and propylene mentioned above is injected intomold cavities 312. Injection is preferably made using a conventionallyknown hot runner injection system. Alternately, conventionally known subgating, cold drop gating or edge gating injection methods can be used.Injection of the molten moldable material which is preferably heatedduring injection is made through small orifices, preferably at two orfour positions on the underside of the front and rear portions of theshelf members such as at position A shown in FIG. 5. After injection,the moldable material is allowed to solidify and cure during a dwelltime preferably of 10 to 15 seconds. Thereafter, slides 306 are movedoutwardly by their associated fluid cylinders and the mold 275 is openedby raising the upper mold section 292. During such movement, an ejectorplate (not shown) engages suitable stops positioned to halt furthermovement of the ejector plate while upper mold section 292 continues toits final position. Consequently, the shelf assembly including themolded side portions in cavities 312 and glass plate 12, 102 is moveddownwardly away from the mold cavity portions in upper mold half 292while being held by suitable vacuum cups (not shown) on upper moldsection 292. Simultaneously, other vacuum cups (not shown) on lower moldsection 280 are opened to atmosphere to release the glass panel.Subsequently, the robot arm is moved into the open mold assemblycarrying a new glass panel and a fresh pair of spaced reusable cores 250to retrieve the completed shelf member and position the new glass paneland core members as described above.

After removal of the molded shelf member from the mold 275, cores 250remain embedded within the molded side portions 44, 46, 112, as shown inFIG. 37. While the moldable material is still warm and relativelyflexible and pliable, cores 250 are slid out of the slide channels 48,114 in the molded side portions using a rolling motion, either manuallyor in a fixture. If a fixture is used, the shelf assembly is mountedupsidedown and pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders are moved to engage theouter surfaces of the cores to move them in a rolling motion in thedirection shown by the arrow in FIG. 37. Removal of the slide channelforming sections 254 of cores 250 leaves slide channels 48, 114integrally molded as described above for receipt of the support surfacesof the shelf support frame in the manner indicated.

Manufacture of the shelf members 150, 200 may be accomplished in asimilar mold apparatus to that shown at 275. Instead of positioningreusable cores 250 in the mold cavities, rigid inserts 168 or 224 arepositioned to extend into the mold cavities for proper embedding withinthe molded rim portion in the manner described above.

As will also be understood, mold 275 may also be used to form a fixed,stationary shelf wherein fixed support brackets similar to brackets 20a,20b or 132 are substituted for cores 250 in mold cavities 3 12. Suchbrackets remain in the molded side portions after removal from the mold.Accordingly, the molded sliding shelves made according to this methodwill have substantially the same overall appearance as a fixed shelfwhen made in the same mold apparatus.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described,other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art, therefore,it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings anddescribed above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by theclaims which follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A shelf assembly for arefrigerated compartment comprising:a shelf support including a pair ofspaced, generally horizontal, generally parallel, shelf supportsurfaces, a guide surface on each shelf support surface extending at anangle to said shelf support surface, an undersurface beneath each shelfsupport surface, and at least one mounting member adapted to mount saidshelf support in a refrigerated compartment; a shelf member slidablymounted for extension and retraction on said shelf support, said shelfmember including an article support surface and a pair of spaced sidemembers, said side members being molded in one piece on said articlesupport surface from a moldable material and extending along oppositesides of said article support surface, each side member including aslide surface slidably engaging one of said shelf support surfaces, atleast one of said side members having a depending guide member adjacentsaid slide surface to guide sliding movement of said shelf member, saidone guide member including a stop thereon, said guide member extendingalong said guide surface to limit lateral movement of said shelf memberwith respect to said shelf support, said guide member also including alaterally extending, lift restraining member, said lift restrainingmember extending under and immediately adjacent said shelf supportundersurface and adapted to engage said undersurface in the event saidshelf member is lifted to restrict vertical movement of said shelfmember with respect to said shelf support; and said shelf support alsoincluding an elongated opening for receiving and allowing movement ofsaid stop when said shelf member is slidably extended or retracted, andat least one limit surface for engaging said stop member to limit atleast one of the extension or retraction of said shelf member.
 2. Theshelf assembly of claim 1, wherein said shelf support includes a pair ofspaced, parallel support brackets, each bracket having one of said shelfsupport surfaces and one of said mounting members thereon.
 3. The shelfassembly of claim 2, wherein each of said brackets is L-shaped andincludes a body and a laterally extending flange extending at a rightangle to said body, said flange having a top surface forming said shelfsupport surface.
 4. The shelf assembly of claim 3, wherein said flangeson said brackets extend inwardly toward one another.
 5. The shelfassembly of claim 3, wherein said one guide member is a rigid memberhaving one portion embedded within said one side member and a secondportion extending downwardly from said side member and extending alongand under one of said flanges.
 6. The shelf assembly of claim 5, whereinsaid rigid member is a U-shaped insert embedded in said slide surface ofsaid one side member.
 7. The shelf assembly of claim 6, wherein saidinsert extends around an edge of said one bracket flange in the spacebetween said brackets, said stop including an edge of said U-shapedinsert; said shelf support including at least one cross member extendingbetween said brackets for spacing and supporting said brackets; saidlimit surface including a limit member on one of said brackets and saidcross member for engagement by said edge of said insert.
 8. The shelfassembly of claim 5, wherein said rigid member is a stud embedded insaid slide surface of said one side member.
 9. The shelf assembly ofclaim 8, wherein said one bracket flange includes a slot forming saidelongated opening in said shelf support; said stud projecting into saidslot; said slot having at least one closed end defining said limitsurface.
 10. The shelf assembly of claim 9, wherein said stud includesspaced, laterally extending flanges, one stud flange embedded in saidone side member, the other stud flange extending under said one bracketflange.
 11. The shelf assembly of claim 10, wherein said slot includesan enlarged area for receiving said other stud flange therethrough. 12.The shelf assembly of claim 2, wherein said shelf support includes atleast one cross member extending between said brackets for spacing andsupporting said brackets; said cross member including said limitsurface; said stop adapted to engage a portion of said cross member inone position of said shelf member.
 13. The shelf assembly of claim 1,wherein said shelf member includes a generally planar shelf panel havinga perimeter edge thereon, and a rim molded on and circumscribing saidperimeter edge, said rim being molded from a resinous polymeric materialand including said side members; said guide member including a flangemolded in one piece with said rim.
 14. The shelf assembly of claim 13,wherein said stop is molded in one piece with said molded flange on saidguide member.
 15. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein said shelfsupport is a frame including a pair of spaced, L-shaped brackets and atleast one cross member extending between said L-shaped brackets forspacing and supporting said brackets, said brackets each including abody and a laterally extending flange extending at a right angle to saidbody, said flange having a top surface forming said shelf supportsurface.
 16. The shelf assembly of claim 15, wherein said limit surfaceis on one of said brackets.
 17. The shelf assembly of claim 15, whereinsaid limit surface is on said cross member.
 18. A shelf assembly for arefrigerated compartment comprising:a shelf support including a pair ofspaced, generally horizontal, generally parallel, shelf supportsurfaces, a guide surface on each shelf support surface extending at anangle to said shelf support surface, an undersurface beneath each shelfsupport surface, and at least one mounting member adapted to mount saidshelf support in a refrigerated compartment; a shelf member slidablymounted for extension and retraction on said shelf support, said shelfmember including an article support surface and a pair of spaced sidemembers, said side members being molded in one piece on said articlesupport surface from a moldable material and extending along oppositesides of said article support surface, each side member including aslide surface slidably engaging one of said shelf support surfaces, atleast one of said side members having a depending guide member adjacentsaid slide surface to guide sliding movement of said shelf member, saidone guide member including a stop thereon, said guide member extendingalong said guide surface and under and immediately adjacent said shelfsupport undersurface to limit lateral and vertical movement of saidshelf member with respect to said shelf support; said shelf support alsoincluding an elongated opening for receiving and allowing movement ofsaid stop when said shelf member is slidably extended or retracted, andat least one limit surface for engaging said stop member to limit atleast one of the extension or retraction .of said shelf member; saidshelf support including a pair of spaced, parallel support brackets,each bracket having one of said shelf support surfaces and one of saidmounting members thereon, each of said brackets being L-shaped andincluding a body and a laterally extending flange extending at a rightangle to said body, said flange having a top surface forming said shelfsupport surface; said guide member extending along and under one of saidflanges on one of said brackets; and, said guide member and stop beingmolded integrally and in one piece with said one side member.
 19. Theshelf assembly of claim 18, wherein said one side member also includes asecond guide member molded integrally and in one piece therewith andspaced from the first said guide member, said one side member includinga molded channel receiving said one bracket flange and defining saidguide members.
 20. The shelf assembly of claim 19, wherein said onebracket includes a limit member thereon, said stop adapted to engagesaid limit member in one position of said shelf member.
 21. A shelfassembly for a refrigerated compartment comprising:a shelf supportincluding a pair of spaced, generally parallel, shelf support surfaces;a shelf member slidably mounted for extension and retraction on saidshelf support, said shelf member including a shelf panel having aperimeter edge, and a rim molded on said perimeter edge from a moldablematerial, said rim including side portions extending along oppositesides of said shelf panel, each side portion including a slide surfaceslidably engaging one of said shelf support surfaces, and a pair ofspaced, depending guide members molded in one piece with said rim andpositioned on either side of one of said shelf support surfaces to guidesliding movement of said shelf member; at least one of said guidemembers including a stop molded in one piece with said rim; and saidshelf support also including an elongated opening for receiving andallowing movement of said stop when said shelf member is slidablyextended or retracted, and at least one limit surface for engaging saidstop member to limit at least one of the extension or retraction of saidshelf member.
 22. The shelf assembly of claim 21, wherein said shelfsupport includes a pair of spaced, parallel, L-shaped support bracketseach having a body and a laterally extending flange extending at a rightangle to said body, said flange having a generally horizontal topsurface forming said shelf support surface.
 23. The shelf assembly ofclaim 22, wherein said flanges on said brackets extend inwardly towardone another.
 24. The shelf assembly of claim 22, wherein one of saidguide members of each side portion of said rim includes a portion moldedin one piece therewith which extends under said laterally extendingflange to restrict vertical movement of said shelf member with respectto said L-shaped brackets.
 25. The shelf assembly of claim 24, whereinat least one of said brackets includes a limit member thereon, said stopadapted to engage said limit member in one position of said shelfmember.
 26. The shelf assembly of claim 21, wherein said shelf supportincludes an undersurface; one of said side portions including alaterally extending, lift restraining member on one of said guidemembers, said lift restraining member adapted to engage saidundersurface to restrict vertical movement of said shelf member withrespect to said shelf support surfaces.
 27. A sliding shelf assembly forrefrigerators comprising:a generally planar shelf member having a topsurface for supporting articles to be refrigerated, and a perimeteredge; a rim molded from a moldable material around said perimeter edge,said rim including generally parallel side portions extending alongopposite portions of said perimeter edge of said shelf member, each sideportion including a slide channel molded therewithin, said slidechannels each defining a generally horizontal slide surface, a moldedguide member for guiding sliding movement of said shelf assembly, and anopening through which a shelf support is received for engagement withsaid slide surface; said guide member extending downwardly from saidslide surface to limit lateral movement of the shelf support member whenreceived in said slide channel, said guide member including a laterallyextending, lift restraining member, said lift restraining memberextending laterally such that said lift restraining member is spacedbeneath said slide surface and is adapted to be positioned immediatelyadjacent and below an undersurface on a shelf support member to limitvertical movement of the shelf support member when received in saidslide channel; and, a stop on said rim adapted to be received in anelongated opening formed in the shelf support to limit sliding travel ofsaid shelf assembly when mounted on the shelf support.
 28. A slidingshelf assembly for refrigerators comprising:a generally planar shelfmember having a top surface for supporting articles to be refrigerated,and a perimeter edge; a rim molded from a moldable material around saidperimeter edge, said rim including generally parallel side portionsextending along opposite portions of said perimeter edge of said shelfmember, each side portion including a slide channel molded therewithin,said slide channels each defining a slide surface, first and secondmolded guide members for guiding sliding movement of said shelfassembly, and an opening through which a shelf support is received forengagement with said slide surface; said first and second guide memberson each side portion being spaced laterally from and extending parallelto one another and depending downwardly adjacent said slide surface; anda stop on said rim for engaging a portion of the shelf support to limitsliding travel of said shelf assembly when mounted on the shelf support.29. The shelf assembly of claim 28, wherein each of said slide channelsis spaced from and extends generally parallel to said shelf member. 30.The shelf assembly of claim 29, wherein each of said slide channels isaligned with and below said perimeter edge of said shelf panel.
 31. Theshelf assembly of claim 30, wherein said shelf member is glass and saidmoldable material is a resinous thermoplastic copolymer.
 32. The shelfassembly of claim 28, wherein each of said slide channels is adapted toreceive a slide support flange of a support bracket, each of said slidechannels being oversized and larger than said support flange to allowsliding movement therebetween.
 33. A sliding shelf assembly forrefrigerators comprising:a generally planar shelf member having a topsurface for supporting articles to be refrigerated, and a perimeteredge: a rim molded from a moldable material around said perimeter edge,said rim including generally parallel side portions extending alongopposite portions of said perimeter edge of said shelf member, each sideportion including a slide channel molded therewithin, said slidechannels each defining a slide surface, a molded guide member forguiding sliding movement of said shelf assembly, and an opening throughwhich a shelf support is received for engagement with saidslide-surface; said guide member extending downwardly from and laterallyunder said slide surface such that said guide member is spaced beneathsaid slide surface and is addicted to be positioned immediately adjacentand below a shelf support member to limit lateral and vertical movementof the shelf support member when received in said slide channel; and astop on said rim adapted to be received in an elongated opening formedin the shelf support to limit sliding travel of said shelf assembly whenmounted on the shelf support, said stop molded integrally on said moldedguide member.
 34. A shelf assembly for a refrigerated compartmentcomprising:a shelf support including a pair of spaced, generallyhorizontal, generally parallel, shelf support surfaces, a guide surfaceon each shelf support surface extending at an angle to said shelfsupport surface, an undersurface beneath each shelf support surface, andat least one mounting member adapted to mount said shelf support in arefrigerated compartment; a shelf member slidably mounted for extensionand retraction on said shelf support, said shelf member including anarticle support surface and a pair of spaced side members, said sidemembers being molded in one piece on said article support surface from amoldable material and extending along opposite sides of said articlesupport surface, each side member including a slide surface slidablyengaging one of said shelf support surfaces, at least one of said sidemembers including a depending guide member adjacent said slide surfaceto guide sliding movement of said shelf member, said one guide memberincluding a stop thereon, said guide member extending along said guidesurface to limit movement of said shelf member with respect to saidshelf support, said guide member also including a laterally extending,lift restraining member, said lift restraining member extending underand immediately adjacent said shelf support undersurface and adapted toengage said undersurface in the event said shelf member is lifted torestrict vertical movement of said shelf member with respect to saidshelf support; said guide member further including a rigid member havinga first portion embedded within said one side member, and a secondportion positioned along said guide surface and adjacent said shelfsupport undersurface to guide sliding movement and restrict verticalmovement of said shelf member, said second portion of said rigid memberincluding said stop thereon; said shelf support also including anelongated opening for receiving and allowing movement of said stop whensaid shelf member is slidably extended or retracted, and at least onelimit surface for engaging said stop member to limit at least one of theextension or retraction of said shelf member.
 35. The shelf assembly ofclaim 34, wherein said first portion of said rigid member extendsgenerally parallel to said slide surface of said one side member toresist withdrawal from said one side member.
 36. The shelf assembly ofclaim 35, wherein said rigid member is a U-shaped insert, said secondportion including an L-shaped portion of said insert.
 37. The shelfassembly of claim 36, wherein said shelf support includes a pair ofspaced, parallel support brackets, each bracket having one of said shelfsupport surfaces and one of said mounting members thereon; said L-shapedportion extending in the space between said brackets, said stopincluding an edge of said L-shaped portion; said shelf support includingat least one cross member extending between said brackets; said limitsurface including a limit member on one of one of said brackets and saidcross member for engagement by said edge of said L-shaped portion. 38.The shelf assembly of claim 34, wherein said rigid member is a studembedded in said slide surface of said one side member.
 39. The shelfassembly of claim 38, wherein at least one of said shelf supportsurfaces includes a slot forming said elongated opening; said studprojecting into said slot; said slot having at least one closed enddefining said limit surface.
 40. The shelf assembly of claim 39, whereinsaid stud includes spaced, laterally extending flanges, one stud flangeembedded in said one side member, the other stud flange extending undersaid shelf support surface.
 41. The shelf assembly of claim 40, whereinsaid slot includes an enlarged area for receiving said other stud flangetherethrough.